WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven (R-ND), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Tom Udall (D-NM), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, introduced a Senate resolution marking November as Native American Heritage Month.

“Native American Heritage Month recognizes the remarkable legacies and accomplishments of Native Americans,” Hoeven said. “While this resolution designates November as Native American Heritage Month, it is important that we honor and respect the contributions of tribal communities throughout the year.

“We’ve worked hard throughout this Congress to advance Indian Country’s priorities, including improving public safety, education and health care while also creating opportunities for economic growth and good jobs. I look forward to continuing the Committee’s critical work to empower the Native American people, maintain tribal sovereignty and preserve their heritage.”

“This month, we recognize and celebrate the indelible mark that Native American arts, languages, cultures, and peoples have left on New Mexico and the United States. From the Iroquois Confederacy to World War II Code Talkers and beyond, Native communities have shaped the American experience for hundreds of years, helping to write every chapter of our nation’s history. And, in New Mexico, which is home to 23 Tribes, the bedrock of who we are as a state and a people is rooted in the contributions of Native leaders, languages, and traditions,” Udall said.

“As we celebrate these contributions, we must also pause and reflect on how we can better stand with Native communities to strengthen Tribal sovereignty, promote Tribal self-determination and self-governance, and expand opportunities throughout Indian Country. As the vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, I am committed to continuing my work with Tribal leaders to address Indian Country’s most pressing challenges and to uphold the federal trust relationship through meaningful government-to-government consultation.”